WHAT IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILL?

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Active Shooter Drill

Active shooter drill and the U.S. mental health crisis

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILL?

No, it’s not a new tool for machine shops! As the world faces increasing violence in schools and public spaces, an opportunity arises for innovative minds. Creative thinkers, inventors, and problem solvers are needed to develop strategies that address the root causes of these tragedies. How can we turn fear into action and design a safer future?

In communities with strong moral values, mental health tends to be better. This desire led me to repatriate to Africa—a decision I deeply value. Unfortunately, the recent tragedy in Georgia, where a 14-year-old opened fire at his high school, killing students and teachers, highlights the challenges some societies face. Though the shooter surrendered, the trauma lingers, especially for students who thought it was a drill.

In the United States, active shooter drills have become common. These drills prepare students and teachers to protect themselves during an active shooting. The rising frequency of these events has made drills necessary, but they point to deeper societal issues.

One key factor is the availability of firearms, particularly high-capacity weapons. The United States has one of the highest rates of gun ownership, and studies show a connection between gun availability and violence. Stricter gun laws may help, but the problem goes beyond access to weapons.

The mental health crisis in America also contributes to mass shootings. Though most people with mental illness aren’t violent, inadequate care leaves many unsupported. Social isolation, economic challenges, and a culture that sometimes glorifies violence fuel these tragedies. The media plays a role, too. Extensive coverage of shootings can inspire others to seek notoriety by committing similar acts, known as the “contagion effect.”

Mass violence isn’t unique to the United States, but the causes differ globally. Strict gun control in countries like Japan and the United Kingdom has led to fewer mass shootings, but violence persists, often linked to organized crime or political unrest. Nations like Mexico and Brazil face violence tied to drug cartels, while in the Middle East, mass killings are often connected to ideological extremism or conflicts.

In Europe, countries like France and Germany have experienced terrorist-driven violence, linked to radical ideologies. These differ from United States shootings, which often stem from personal grievances and easy access to firearms. Globally, the United States stands apart due to its mix of gun access, cultural factors, and media influences, creating a fertile ground for mass shootings.

America’s mental health crisis is worsened by economic stress, social isolation, substance abuse, and inadequate mental health services. Millions are affected, and while awareness has grown, many lack access to care, particularly in marginalized communities. The COVID-19 pandemic and inequality have deepened the crisis, leaving many feeling anxious and disconnected.

Some argue that America’s violent history contributes to a collective emotional burden. The nation’s past—rooted in African slavery, genocide, and global domination—casts a long shadow. This legacy of oppression has left deep wounds, not just for those directly affected, but for the nation as a whole. Scholars refer to this as “historical trauma,” describing the emotional damage passed through generations. For African Americans and Indigenous peoples, the trauma of slavery, colonization, and racism continues to manifest in higher rates of mental health issues.

For the broader public, there’s also subtle psychological tension. America’s past transgressions—slavery, the mistreatment of Native Americans, and imperialism—may fuel “perpetual guilt,” which divides society and prevents a full reckoning with history. Without confronting these wrongs, defensiveness deepens societal divides.

This unresolved guilt can lead to excessive patriotism or denial of darker parts of history. America’s violent expansion, through colonization and the enslavement of Africans, has cultivated a culture where aggression is normalized. This may explain the high rates of gun violence and the tendency to resolve conflicts with force.

As America’s global influence wanes and more attention is drawn to historical injustices, anxiety about the nation’s identity grows. This, coupled with internal divisions along race, class, and politics, creates an environment ripe for mental health struggles. In extreme cases, disconnection and frustration erupt into acts of rage and violence.

The mental health crisis in America stems from contemporary challenges, but historical trauma also plays a role. Without national healing, these unresolved issues will continue affecting the nation’s well-being.

Be sure to visit “Tharaka Invention Academy” where you can learn about how anybody can acquire the mindset, skills, and knowledge needed by all problem solvers, innovators, and inventors. The post entitled “Global Innovators: 101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills” contains links to many more similar stories about these people worldwide.

Questions?? Contact me any time at profsinger@inventionschool.tech
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Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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